I use multiple teaching methods
When I teach I use Power Points, Videos, Hands-on and some lecture with a lots of example scenerios.
I feel the more methods you use the better the chances of a student retaining the information.
Ron
I like to use any, and all methods available to me for the courses I instructing in, I find that just a power point is some times to long and at times some what boring, so when I use the white board to project the powerpoints onto I will use the white board to draw diagrams and captions about what is being discussed as well as adding real life experiences pertaining to our powerpoint, this sometimes side tracks use a little but keeps the student interest and help them stay awake. I also allow the students to tell of any experiences they might like to share with the class.
Hi Stephannie:
Probably all students have a degree of most learning styles inherent in their DNA, with aural and visual being more frequent, and kinesthetic right up there too.
There are Multiple Intelligences (MI) that include these along with interpersonal, intrapersonal, musical, nature, logical, mathematical, and most students have a mixture of several of these, with one or two being more prominent.
With generational differences, and varieties of student learning, incorportaing variety, keeping the flow of the class active (vs passive), changing or combining media choices in the delivery will help meet more student needs than static lecturing.
The key here is to keep students active, engaged, and involved in their own learning. We should facilitate their learning vs dictate it. Methods include independent work outside of class, teaching others, group discussions, Q&A, demonstrating skills, and practice, practice, practice!
Regards, Barry
Yes the more variety of teaching approches utilized will assist the various learners to grasp the subject matter. There are several different types of learners and this hopefully cover a broad range of them.
Hi Kelli:
Interesting statistic! Whatever the age, most people don't learn from long sessions of the same material and delivery method. Breaking it up, variety, using different media, and involving students all contribute to better leraning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
New studies show that the attention span of students is:
Their age / 2.
Average is 7-8 minutes in my classes. Because of this, I use many different techniques. PowerPoint, Flip Charts, Handouts, etc. This allows me to make a change rather quickly during my lectures without stalling the class. Their attention is kept and all learning styles are covered.
Hi Karen:
To me, this seems about right. The attention span of most students (humans) is not infinite, so keeping things sequenced, timed, and using a variety of medida choices and methods make for interesting classes.
And, anytime you can get students to participate, phyysically engaged in the lesson, they're just going to do better. That participation requires more from them, but it usually doesn't seem like more work, so it turns out to be an enjoyable experience.
Regards, Barry
Hi Josh:
Each class is different. Better instructors will carefully assess the student cohort they're assigned to teach and select among the variety of tools that they have at their disposal.
That said, these will always work:
* Delivery: Enthusiastic
* Media: Involvement by students
* Senses: The more the better
* Participation: Absoutely necessary
* Environment: Approachable and interesting
* Personality: Natural and honest
However you can incorporate these tenets into your classes, students will find the learning keeps their attention and will assist their learning overall. Have fun!
Regards, Barry
I use typically keep my lecture to about 20 minutes. The presentation is combined with powerpoint and with me writing on the white board. When able, I offer a handout or reference the text where the information is found. I try to tie in previous referneces to demonstrations and other activities the student have done to increase understanding and tying in the new information.
Using many methods is a "great thing" and I agree that it increases retension, but I was wondering if you ever surved your students to see which method worked best? Inquiring minds want to know!
Joshula
Hi Ron:
Great. More variety in vedia, and additional resources, activities, and student participation will lead to better student learning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
